What line do you use for lazy jacks?
27 – Lazy-jack A Lazy Jack line should be durable, flexibel and easy to splice. This is the rope we recommend.
How does a lazy jack system work?
Lazy jacks are networks of lines that are rigged along each side of the mainsail from multiple points on the boom or a stack pack to a point on the mast just above the spreaders, at about 60% the mast’s height. Their purpose is to hold the mainsail on top of the boom when it is lowered.
What is a sail pack?
Sail packs are an adaptation of traditional sail covers that work with a lazy jack system to make setting and dousing your mainsail quick and easy. The pack is always open and when you are ready to lower the sail, the lazy jack lines help the sail to flake neatly in place inside the cover.
What is a Dutchman reefing system?
The Dutchman system invented by Martin van Breems is a main sail flaking system that works like a blind. You know the blinds in your windows, that weave in and out of the vertical line. When you pull up the blind the pleats neatly stack flat. Take a look at your main when it is properly flaked on the boom.
What is a lazy jack system?
Lazy-jacks are made from a set of fixed or movable lines led from the upper section of the mast to the boom, with lines on each side. They guide the sail onto the top of the boom when reefing or dousing it and keep it there to be tied up at the crew’s leisure. When properly installed, a lazy-jack system adds to safety and sail control.
How do lazy jacks work on a globe?
If you combine the Lazy Jack system with a mainsail luff track and slide system, the front of the sail may flake itself somewhat, and then you can tidy up later. In the case of the vendee Globe boats the lazy jacks are attached not directly to the boom but to canvas which is in turn attached to the boom.
How much does it cost to install a lazy jack?
Off-the-shelf and custom-built lazy-jack systems are available. Sail-loft versions start at $200; mid-range systems cost about $400; and high-end systems can cost $1,500 or more if professionally installed.
How are the Lazy jacks attached to the mast?
The Lazy Jack lines are installed either side of the main attached high up in the mast and down to the boom. Since the jacks are either side of the sail it can be dropped without falling on the deck. The picture shows Roxy finishing the Vendee Globe race and you can see the lazy jacks attached to a white cover along the length of the boom.